An umbrella group of unions has announced an indefinite strike over socioeconomic issues in Port-Gentil on June 12

Event

An
umbrella group of unions has called for an indefinite strike in Port-Gentil
starting from Monday, June 12. Protesters are denouncing the high cost of
living, as well as the increase in taxes, oil products, gas, and water prices. The
protests led to disruption of the transportation system on June 12, as a large
number of taxi drivers followed the strike. However, shops, schools, and administration
buildings have reportedly remained open. A spokesperson for the inter-union
movement has said that they intend to extend the strike to the oil sector. Further
strike action should be expected over coming weeks.

Context

Numerous
protests have taken place in Gabon over the past months, mostly over
socioeconomic issues and to denounce government austerity policies. In May,
the "Dynamic Unity"
(Dynamique unitaire) union called for weekly strikes in the public and private
sectors.

The country's economy
has suffered from the drop in oil prices, on which most of the country's revenues are dependent. Port-Gentil, the economic
capital where oil activities are concentrated, has been especially hard-hit.

Advice

Individuals
present in Gabon are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to
avoid any related protests due to the possibility of violence and the potential
involvement of security forces to disperse crowds.

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